Athens fine arts festival returns

Art On The Square arrives September 8, 2012, bringing with it approximately 50 selected visual artists who will display their work under the trees in downtown Athens. The public is invited to admire the work, and for those who can’t walk away empty-handed, original pieces of work will be available to purchase.

The annual event, now in its seventh year, features the creative works of painters, sculptors, metal artists, photographers, ceramicists, fiber artists, jewelry artists, mixed media artists, and more from across the United States. Festival-goers have the opportunity to talk one-on-one with the artists and purchase original artwork.

In conjunction with the fine art festival, “Kudzu Chronicles: a Southern Writers Event at Art on the Square” will bring published authors and panel discussions to the Athens State University Center for Lifelong Learning. Aspiring writers are invited to hear authors speak on a variety of topics and join discussions on writing, getting published and historical research and genealogy. Authors include Christopher Fuqua, Dr. Julie Hedgepeth Williams, Kris Reisz, Robert S. Davis, Peggy Allen Towns, Rusty Bynum, Sara McDaris, Kelly Kazek, Jerry Barksdale, Bill Hunt, Penne Laubenthal, Charlotte Fulton, Karen Middleton, and Frank Travis.

In addition, high school bands will perform and the Alabama Blues Project Advanced Band is set to take the stage at 10:30 a.m. followed by award-winning blues band Microwave Dave and The Nukes at noon.

For young, budding artists, the KidsZone offers mini art camps for children to experience hands-on art at the festival. Set up along Marion Street throughout the event, the art camps will offer painting, bead making, swirl art, tye-dye shirts, face painting, multimedia collage, plus much more. All activities are free.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the grounds of the Limestone County Courthouse. In case of heavy rain, Art On The Square will take place at the Athens State University gymnasium. Admission is free. For more information including an up-to-date entertainment schedule, visit www.aots-athens.com or call 256.444.8156.

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